Editor:
I have just emerged from my second night of sleep with my windows wide open and the cooling breeze wafting through my house. It is the second night of the fire ban and the second night without the smell of burning wood, droppings from the various barbecued treats and the leftover garbage from a day of camping permeating my life.
Now, I am not in favour of fire bans because it means our forests are in danger, but I am unreasonably pleased when one is implemented because I live very close to the Roberts Creek Campground and in direct line of at least 10 of the individual camping spaces. Unlike the Porpoise Bay Campground, Roberts Creek allows each and every camper to light their very own fire for every single night that they enjoy out of doors. Eventually, after a few days of enjoyment, the campers get to go home and wash all their clothes, air out their tents and sleeping bags and pack them away for another year.
However, for the entire campfire season, not just a few days, I need to stay inside my house after dusk, keep all my doors and windows closed and have many fans running if I am to stay cool, protect my eyes and lungs and save my furniture, walls and clothes from the stench of smoke.
I do wish that those who have control over such matters would be willing to take into account the effect on the local neighbourhood. I do not see why one or even two communal fire pits cannot be developed for use at the far end of the campground, away from houses and nearer the water source for greater safety and for the overall health of the locals who live here all year round.
I know there are many arguments on both sides of this issue, but it finally worked in Porpoise Bay. I wish a solution could be found here.
Helen Halet, Roberts Creek
